Birthday girl with her
artwork (Photo by Katie Skupien)
A couple of Saturdays ago, Husband
Walter and I traveled to Baton Rouge, La., to join the celebration of
Granddaughter Molly Kate’s sixth birthday. It was my first experience with a
paint party.
Time for instructions
The studio, Mudpies
and Masterpieces, easily accommodated the 14 little girls eager to paint and
party. Two experienced preschool teachers guided the young artists through the
freehand exercise. They did a great job of fulfilling the slogan of their business
enterprise: “Where you are truly a work of heart!”
Fledgling artists prepare to paint.
Easels paraded down
both sides of a long table. The two adult instructors led the session. One
stood at the end of the table showing the girls how to accomplish each step.
The other circulated, offering individual encouragement and guidance as needed.
A work in progress
Before party day the
birthday girl or boy visits the studio and chooses which picture the group will
paint. Molly Kate chose a Hello Kitty attired in the purple and gold of a
Louisiana State University cheerleader.
Her choice was a winner with her age
group. Baton Rouge is home to LSU.
Fan spirit is a family affair in the university’s hometown, and indoctrination
into LSU fan status begins before birth with baby gifts in LSU colors and
themes.
When the girls
finished their creations, there was cake, ice cream and present-opening on the
studio’s spacious and inviting porch. While the youngsters and a number of non-painting relatives enjoyed cake and ice cream, the other instructor
was inside adding a few embellishments to the completed paintings and blowing
them dry with a hair dryer.
The party closed with one of the instructors
painting a Hello Kitty on faces. The girls collected their paintings, now dry,
and departed with painted faces, good memories and art for their bedrooms.
It was a fun time, and
I was impressed with how well the instructors kept everyone happy, engaged and
moving through a well thought out and orchestrated party process.